While some accidents result in small cuts and bruises, some may lead to severe, catastrophic injuries. Such injuries will almost always result in permanent disability, and victims may never be able to regain their working capacity. Normally, the severity of catastrophic injuries is elevated, and the damage could be tremendous. This is why you need a catastrophic injury lawyer fighting for you!
Whether you are on the road or at your workplace, there is always a possibility that an accident may occur and cause you injuries. Most of the time, such accidents happen due to the negligence of another person; perhaps a reckless driver or a premises owner who failed to warn invitees of a dangerous condition in their premises.
Having legal representation in your catastrophic injury case is usually wise since these claims have high financial stakes. At Wade Law, our Sharpsburg personal injury lawyers who specialize in catastrophic injuries are ready to represent you throughout your claim to obtain the fair compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to the negligence of another person, call us today at (770) 282-1188 to start your claim process.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
Generally, a catastrophic injury refers to one with direct and proximate consequences, essentially preventing one from engaging in meaningful work permanently. Simply put, a catastrophic injury is that which leads to permanent impairments in the victim. Mostly, this term will be used when referring to injuries that cause harm to the brain and spinal cord, thus limiting their functional capabilities. Severe burns are also a typical example of a catastrophic injury.
Sustaining a catastrophic injury could mean losing a limb or cognitive function. This means losing the ability to walk or form a whole thought. This way, you may no longer be able to do tasks that you previously did.
Catastrophic Injury Statistics
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the commonest catastrophic injuries, and it is estimated that 1.5 million people sustain a TBI every year in the U.S. It is ranked as a leading cause of disability and death among children and young adults. 230,000 individuals are hospitalized every year due to a TBI and survive, 50,000 die due to a TBI, and 80,000-90,000 individuals experience the beginning of long-term disability.
Another common catastrophic injury is spinal cord injury (SCI). A study documented in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation showed that there are approximately 12,500 new cases of SCI every year. According to the same study, most traumatic spinal cord injuries are caused by vehicular accidents and unintentional falls.
Amputations are also a type of catastrophic injuries, commonly associated with vehicular accidents, heavy machinery, and plant-related accidents. About 185,000 people have an amputation in the USA every year, and it is estimated that there are 2.1 million people living with limb loss.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are typically expensive and have a serious financial impact on the victim. Normally, these injuries will necessitate in-home care, advanced medical treatment, and ongoing physical therapy. What’s more, victims lose wages and future earnings, as well as the capacity to work.
Further, these injuries lead to a significant change of lifestyle. They affect your movement, cause chronic pain, and lead to loss of enjoyment of activities in which you previously engaged regularly. In most cases, this results in loneliness and depression among individuals.
Can I Sue for a Catastrophic Injury?
You have the right to sue another party if you feel that they were responsible for your catastrophic injury. Basically, you can sue on the following grounds:
- You suffered a serious injury that necessitated surgery, rehabilitation, and permanent use of medication or a medical device, and that you incurred enormous medical bills.
- The injury put you off work and it is unlikely that you will return to work due to permanent disability.
Georgia uses the comparative negligence rule, which allows the plaintiff to recover monetary damages for their injury as long as their contribution to the accident was not greater than 50%.
Why do I Need a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer for a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
Catastrophic injury claims have possibly the highest financial stakes among personal injury claims. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you avoid pitfalls and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injury. Generally, a lawyer will help you with the following in your claim:
Gather Evidence
For a successful catastrophic injury claim, you will need to gather compelling evidence, including medical records and bills, to show that you indeed suffered a severe injury. Your Sharpsburg catastrophic injury lawyer will help you gather such documents and other pieces of evidence like expert examinations and reports to support your claim.
Negotiate For Out of Court Settlement
Personal injury claims are almost always settled out of court unless the defendant or their insurer denies your claim. A catastrophic injury lawyer can help you negotiate and receive maximum compensation by preparing a solid case, to ensure that all your losses are covered.
Represent You if Your Case Goes to Trial
If the defendant’s insurance company makes a lowball offer or denies your offer, your lawyer will help you take your case to court. With a solid case, a personal injury attorney can convince a judge that you deserve compensation since you suffered a catastrophic injury due to the negligence of another party.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
In a catastrophic injury claim, a judge may award any of the following damages to the injured person:
Economic Damages
These are meant to reimburse the plaintiff for financial losses that resulted from the injury, including medical costs, lost income, future earning, loss of earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Also referred to as pain and suffering, these are damages awarded to compensate the plaintiff and their family for the mental and emotional pain the injury has caused them.
Punitive Damages
In some catastrophic injury cases, the judge may deem the action of the defendant willful misconduct or total disregard for the well-being of other people. In such a case, punitive damages may be awarded to serve as punishment.
Call a Sharpsburg Catastrophic Injury Lawyer at Wade Law Today!
Catastrophic injuries are those that have direct and proximate consequences and usually cause a deformity. These injuries are also characterized by huge medical costs that may be life-long, which gives injured parties the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Working with a catastrophic injury lawyer in your catastrophic claim ensures that you have a compelling case against the defendant and increases your chances of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Sharpsburg due to another person’s negligence, call Wade Law today at (770) 282-1188 to schedule a free case evaluation.
